PARALEGAL SPECIALIST - 60057670

State of Florida - Panama City, FL

Full-time - Entry Level

Panama City, FL

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Paralegal Specialist position involves providing essential support to lawyers by conducting legal research, investigating facts, and preparing various legal documents. The incumbent will be responsible for drafting legal documents for assigned cases, which include pleadings, motions, notices of filings, subpoenas, and other necessary documents aimed at ensuring child safety, permanency, and well-being. This role is crucial in assisting with the prosecution of cases, which encompasses a variety of duties such as scheduling and preparing files for initial or permanency staffing, coordinating case planning conferences or mediation, and arranging for diligent searches. Additionally, the specialist will handle service of process or publication, coordinate and set dispositions, and obtain transcripts as needed. The Paralegal Specialist will maintain one or more calendars to schedule and track legal events, including arraignments, advisory hearings, dispositions, trials, and judicial reviews. This position requires the individual to coordinate with all parties involved and ensure that all documents are accurately entered into the appropriate information systems. The specialist will also be responsible for filing legal documents in a timely manner, whether electronically or in hard copy, and preparing professional draft responses to initial demands for discovery. This includes tracking due dates for demands and coordinating the gathering of necessary materials such as narratives, investigation summaries, medical records, and witness lists. The role also involves redacting discovery documents when necessary and tracking court orders and documents in the information systems. Furthermore, the Paralegal Specialist will open, maintain, and close physical case files, adhering to local office procedures for organization, filing, and storage. Monitoring reports from the information systems and ensuring that the assigned attorney is notified of any issues is also part of the responsibilities. The position may require performing other related work as directed by the Regional Director, Managing Attorney, Attorney Supervisor, or CLS Leadership.

Responsibilities

• Assist lawyers by researching legal precedents and investigating facts.
• Prepare legal documents including pleadings, motions, notices of filings, and subpoenas.
• Schedule and prepare files for initial or permanency staffing.
• Coordinate and schedule case planning conferences or mediation.
• Arrange for diligent searches and service of process or publication.
• Coordinate and set dispositions and obtain transcripts when requested.
• Prepare subpoenas for trial and duces tecum.
• Enter or check entries in appropriate information systems for accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain calendars for scheduling and tracking legal events.
• File legal documents appropriately and timely with the court.
• Prepare timely and professional draft responses to initial demands for discovery.
• Track demand due dates and coordinate gathering of materials for discovery.
• Redact discovery documents when necessary.
• Track court orders and documents in appropriate information systems.
• Open, maintain, and close physical case files following local office procedures.
• Monitor reports from information systems and notify assigned attorney of issues.
• Perform other related work as directed by leadership.

Requirements

• Experience in legal research and document preparation.
• Knowledge of legal terminology and procedures.
• Proficiency in using legal information systems and software.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working in a legal environment related to child welfare or family law.
• Familiarity with AFCARS and CLS requirements.
• Ability to work collaboratively with attorneys and other legal staff.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Paid holidays and vacation time.
• Retirement savings plan options.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.